Albany Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates conclusion of 2023-2024 Political Leadership Institute

ALBANY — The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce called its 2023-2024 Albany Area Political Leadership Institute a success as the program came to an end.

The nonpartisan program is dedicated to preparing participants for leadership roles on local boards and in elected office. This was the program’s second year.

The diverse group of participants, who were hand-selected for their commitment to public service and community engagement, according to a chamber press release, completed a rigorous application process. The program’s Jan. 17 graduation ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the 2023-24 PLI cohort, consisting of individuals from throughout Albany and the surrounding area.

Participants included Renea Miller, Christopher Harvey, Tameeka Daniels, Martez Favis, Jennifer Williams, Angela Michele Patterson, Kenyetta Simons, Caleb Clugston, and George Houston.

PLI’s goal has a local emphasis. It pushes to build well-equipped candidates for elected office and appointed boards. The three-session program, from November 2023 to January 2024, delved into essential topics such as “Government 101,” “Issues of Importance,” and “Appointed Boards and Elected Office.”

The curriculum, developed by business leaders in Albany, aims to equip participants with foundational knowledge and skills needed for effective public service leadership. Each program session was followed by networking opportunities with community and business leaders, connecting class participants to those serving the community in a variety of ways.

2022-2023 graduates obtained local appointments, and this year’s graduates are on their way to expanding their public service, a chamber press release reads.

A participant, George Houston — who is the organizational development coach at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, president of the Lee County Exchange Club and a member of the Board of Elections and Registrations for Lee County — said the PLI program was an enlightening and empowering journey.

“I entered the program with a commitment to community service,” Houston said. “Through this experience, I gained wonderful insights into the intricacies of local governance.”

He said he leaves the program feeling more encouraged that normal individuals can indeed make a significant difference in shaping the future of the Albany area.

“I am grateful for this empowering experience and look forward to applying what I’ve learned in my continued service to the community,” Houston said.

Barbara Rivera Holmes, president & CEO of the Albany Area Chamber, said the chamber is committed to developing local talent for public service leadership.

“The Political Leadership Institute serves as an innovative platform to nurture public servants and political newcomers, providing them with essential insights into issues and expectations as they consider elected office candidacy or public board positions,” she said.

The chamber aims to engage more people in public service, prepare business-minded leaders who have an interest in exploring opportunities on appointed boards or elected office, and show how their experience, skills and talent could address critical policy issues, Holmes said.

Bridges Sinyard, vice president of Adams Exterminators and chairman of the Albany Area Chamber’s Government Affairs Division, emphasized the program’s impact on bridging the gap for political newcomers and those interested in public service.

“This program educates and equips future community leaders on the unique demands of governmental leadership, helping potential candidates and board members become more attuned to community needs and prepared to meet those needs through strategic action,” he said.

Applications for the 2024-2025 class will open late summer/early fall. Interested individuals should follow the chamber at www.albanyga.com and on social media.

Photo Courtesy of Albany Area Chamber